Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I

City of Charlotte

22h•$24 - $0•Onsite

About The Position

Charlotte’s local government, with more than 9,000 employees and a total budget of $3.65 billion budget, works hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Charlotte Water is an enterprise department of the City of Charlotte and one of the largest public water and sewer service providers in the southeast with over 330,000 customer accounts and over 1100 employees. Our service area includes the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County and the towns of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mint Hill, Matthews and Pineville. Charlotte Water’s FY 26 budget is $651 million and a five-year capital program of $2.2.28 billion. We enjoy the highest credit ratings from Moody’s and S&P Global as a result of sound financial planning and management and strong support from our City Council. We value competent, skilled candidates with a customer service focus to work in a team environment. SALARY: The salary for this position is $24.00 per hour. WORK SCHEDULE: Rotating night shift with every other weekend off. JOB SUMMARY: Work involves performing duties on an assigned shift at the plant; assisting with monitoring equipment and processes for proper operations; troubleshooting and resolving issues with plant equipment; conducting testing and analysis of samples; endeavoring to keep the wastewater plant operating at optimum levels; communicating any potential issues; and providing technical assistance to other employees. This position walks around the plant checking equipment, follows safety rules and protocols, performs audits, and maintains records. New hire training may occur on a different shift than the permanently assigned shift. This position will fill a rotating night shift. (Working every other Weekend)

Requirements

High school diploma or GED from an accredited school.
Licenses, Certifications or Registrations: Requires a Class C Driver's License.
Must obtain and maintain a City Driver's Permit.
Requires NC Grade I Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within one year of hire).
Requires NC Grade II Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within two years of hire).
Requires NC Grade III Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within four years of hire).
Requires NC Grade IV Wastewater Operator Certification (or obtain within six years of hire).
Knowledge of the science of wastewater treatment.
Skill in communicating, both verbally and in writing.
Skill in basic math.
Skill in using computers and job-related software.

Responsibilities

Observes/reports on facility conditions/operations.
Uses biological/chemical parameters to analyze overall wastewater treatment plant operations; reports anomalies.
Performs process control activities by: collecting, testing, and analyzing process control samples; inputting operational data into computer software; analyzing biological bacteria; conducting settleability test; collecting composite samples; monitoring sludge blanket levels; calibrating and monitoring automatic samplers for permit compliance; and running additional tests as needed to ensure proper process control.
Monitors SCADA computer workstations for plant equipment and process conditions.
Maintains flows and loading by continuously monitoring dissolved oxygen; returns activated sludge rates, ammonia levels, suspended solids levels, alkalinity chemical levels, wasting rates, flows, digester temperatures and levels, chemical feed rates and tank levels, methane gas pressures and flows, and other process indicators.
Handles secondary digester level by estimating/scheduling appropriate start up and shutdown times of the belt filter presses.
Performs laboratory analysis on wastewater samples to recommend/implement operational changes
Maintains facility equipment and housekeeping in assigned area
Operates various types of pumping systems, clarifier equipment, aeration equipment, sand filters, belt filter presses, gravity belt thickeners, and other plant equipment.
Inspects a wide range of various wastewater equipment for noise, vibration, and any abnormal operating characteristics; performs minor maintenance and preventive maintenance tasks; and completes rounds and records operational data.
Briefs other operators at shift change; assists maintenance staff with shut down and startup of equipment.
Updates database information; collects data; and maintains records.
Manages bulk chemicals onsite; communicates with chemical vendors; and orders and accepts chemical deliveries.
Assists visitors and contractors.
Conducts internal audits and assists with external audits for International Organization for Standardization (ISO) compliance.
Attends preventative action team meetings.
Conducts plant tours.
Assists in training new employees.
Performs other related job duties as assigned.